Lion Air's New B-737NGs to have Honeywell Next-Gen Weather Radar

Lion Air has selected Honeywell's next-generation weather radar and other avionics for up to 60 new B-737NGs it has on order.

The Jakarta-based airline chose Honeywell's RDR-4000 next-generation weather radar system as part of an avionics and electrical package that also includes the CAS 100 ACAS (aircraft collision avoidance system) with ADS-B (automatic dependent surveillance broadcast) capability.  Also included is Honeywell's Quantum Line of communication and navigation radios, a HF (high frequency) radio, the FDAMS (flight data acquisition and management system), and a Rescu 406 ELT (emergency locator transmitter).

The RDR-4000's 3-D scanning technology has a terrain-based digital ground clutter extraction for removing ground returns without the losses and delays associated with ground suppression filters, and automatic compensation for the earth's curvature to present a truer weather picture out to 320 nautical miles. The database was adapted and scaled from Honeywell's EGPWS (enhanced ground proximity warning system).  The 4000 can also include a unique vertical profile view of weather ahead of the aircraft that can be presented simultaneously with the system's normal radar view.

The CAS 100 offers extended ADS-B capabilities including flight identification, velocity and GPS position with 120nm extended surveillance range, and 100nm active interrogation range able to track up to 60 aircraft.  Its processor has a partitioned operating system that Honeywell believes will allow for future ADS-B applications: Some currently in development include merging-and-sequencing maneuvers, oceanic in-trail climbs and descents, and surface movement surveillance.

The RDR-4000 was recently certified for Singapore Airlines' B-777-200ERs, and Cathay Pacific and Air Canada have chosen the RDR-4000 for their B-777 fleets, according to Honeywell. The radar is also used on the A380 as part of its AESS (aircraft environment surveillance system).  04-20-2007.

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